Carrigafoyle Castle is located just 20 minutes further up the Shannon estuary from Teach de Broc, outside the village of Ballylongford. The castle was built in the 1490’s by the O’Connor family overlooking the river and was considered one of the strongest of Irish fortresses. Its name is an anglicisation of the Irish, Carraig an Phoill ("rock of the hole"). The castle was referred to as the guardian of the Shannon, because of its strategic command of the shipping lanes that supplied the trading city of Limerick. In 1580 the castle was attacked by Sir William Pelham in the Desmond War. The castle was badly damaged by cannon fire, and the castle was taken over in an event now known as the Siege of Carrigafoyle Castle. The castle has never been fully repaired but all five floors are still accessible. During the summer months visitors can climb the 104 steps to the top and look out over Carrig Island and Scattery Island, and across the estuary to County Clare.
For guests who would like to explore a little more, they can park their car at the castle and walk across to Carrig Island and out to the Battery. The Battery is one of a number of artillery towers built around Ireland and Great Britain in anticipation of an invasion during the Napoleonic Wars. Ballylongford Tidy Towns have placed two seating areas out at the end of the island where visitors can sit and watch out for dolphins, and the resident seal on the Shannon River. There is so much to do and see in the regions around Ballybunion. Our town still retains its charm with its traditional seaside shop fronts and arcades, where children and adults alike can spend long summer evenings creating memories that last a lifetime. We believe that our little corner of the world deserves your attention and we would love to show it to you the next time you visit Ballybunnion.
Our guests can also choose to do a self-guided Hidden Gems Tour by picking up a listing of suggested destinations at reception.Should you wish to discuss your needs and plan your visit, you are welcome to give us a call on +353 68 27581 Alternatively, please send us a message outlining your accommodation requirements, directly to info@ballybuniongolf.com or visit our contact page. We look forward to welcoming you to Teach de Broc - Award Winning Golf Hotel in County Kerry.